HYPERSPACE: Best Discoveries of the Week – Episode One Hundred Thirteen
Hey Space Travelers,
Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into a sonic universe packed with 12 incredible artists pushing the boundaries of sound. From addictive beats to ethereal melodies, this episode is all about fresh energy, diverse vibes, and next-level creativity. Whether you’re here to discover new sounds or lose yourself in the music, we’ve got something for every explorer.
Turn it up, let go, and get ready for Hyperspace episode 113!
Let’s launch!
Chris Quesnel – “Cherry Chapstick (Acoustic)”
In “Cherry Chapstick (Acoustic),” Montreal-based artist Chris Quesnel offers a stripped-down rendition of his original track, delving into the complexities of a turbulent relationship. Recorded in his home studio, this version emphasizes raw emotion through minimalist instrumentation, allowing Quesnel’s heartfelt vocals to take center stage. The song explores the cyclical nature of a troubled romance, with Quesnel’s expressive delivery capturing the pain of repeated breakups and reconciliations. The acoustic arrangement, featuring delicate guitar strums and subtle synths, creates an intimate atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners. “Cherry Chapstick (Acoustic)” stands as a testament to Quesnel’s ability to convey profound emotions through music, offering a relatable narrative of love, loss, and self-discovery.
9 o’clock Nasty – “This Is Crowland”
9 o’clock Nasty’s latest album, This Is Crowland, is a dynamic fusion of alternative indie rock that captivates listeners with its eclectic soundscapes. Spanning fifteen tracks over approximately forty minutes, the album showcases the band’s versatility, with each song offering a distinct rhythm and groove that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. The album seamlessly blends gritty riffs, compelling melodies, and a touch of electronic flair, creating a unique auditory experience. Notably, tracks like ‘Bad Vegan’ and ‘Coliseum’ exemplify the band’s signature ‘dirge-disco-punk’ style, delivering a raw and invigorating energy. Recorded with meticulous attention to detail, This Is Crowland stands as a testament to 9 o’clock Nasty’s innovative approach to modern rock music.
Anjalts – “Just Stay 4 Awhile”
Anjalts’ “Just Stay 4 Awhile” is a dreamy, introspective piece that drifts between indie-folk warmth and ambient tranquility. The acoustic guitar lays down a gentle rhythm, while ethereal electric tones add a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Her vocals are delicate yet emotionally charged, capturing the bittersweet nature of wanting someone to linger just a little longer. The song’s airy production and heartfelt lyricism create a comforting atmosphere, perfect for moments of quiet reflection. With its mix of organic and atmospheric elements, “Just Stay 4 Awhile” feels like a soothing invitation to pause and embrace the present.
VGmates – “Черным по белому || In Black and White”
VGmates’ Черным по белому || In Black and White is an emotionally charged and sonically rich album that fuses alternative rock with electronic textures and evocative folk instrumentation. The band masterfully weaves in haunting melodies from the Irish flute, duduk, and shakuhachi, creating a sound that feels both raw and otherworldly. This album is a deeply personal reflection on the stark reality of war, capturing a world where shades of gray have disappeared, leaving only extremes. Tracks like Black and White World paint a chilling picture of inevitable collapse, while Pet the Cat delivers biting satire aimed at those who choose ignorance over action. The mournful Irreversible underscores the permanence of destruction, and Time is No More meditates on the fleeting nature of existence. More than just an album, In Black and White is a powerful sonic diary—one of resilience, grief, and the unwavering will to endure.
ZOE.LEELA – “Gold Reloading”
ZOE.LEELA’s “Gold Reloaded,” released on February 21, 2025, is a compelling fusion of dance and electronic music that crafts an immersive auditory experience. The track’s dynamic beats and ethereal melodies evoke the sensation of navigating through a vibrant, neon-lit metropolis. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic music scenes of New York and Berlin, ZOE.LEELA’s distinctive style resonates with listeners seeking depth and authenticity in modern music. “Gold Reloaded” stands out as a testament to the artist’s innovative approach, seamlessly blending genres to create a soundscape that’s both fresh and captivating. This release not only showcases ZOE.LEELA’s artistic evolution but also promises to be a standout addition to contemporary playlists.
JAMES KING – “Firefly”
James King’s Firefly is an unflinching dive into themes of loss, abandonment, and personal struggle. This debut album, set for release on February 28, 2025, is an entirely solo effort—James not only wrote every song but also performed all the instrumentation, layering drums, guitars, keys, bass, and vocals to craft a deeply personal sound. Drawing influence from The Who, Evanescence, and Tom Waits, Firefly moves between raw rock energy and haunting, melancholic ballads. Tracks like Fairytale Run and Chimes of Midnight capture grief and reflection, while others explore the lingering scars of strained family relationships and past trauma. The production by Robin Woods enhances the album’s intimacy, ensuring that every note carries emotional weight. With no click tracks or guide tracks, the recording process embraces imperfection, adding to its authenticity. Firefly is more than an album—it’s a cathartic expression of resilience, vulnerability, and artistic independence.
Cheryl Craigie – “I’m Only Me When I’m With You”
Cheryl Craigie‘s latest release is a reimagined cover of Taylor Swift’s “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,”, which breathes fresh life into a track originally penned by Swift at just 13. This rendition trades the original’s spirited country-pop hit for a softer, slower tempo, anchored by a delicate piano arrangement. Cheryl transforms the youthful exuberance into a mature ballad, and it’s full of raw emotion! Her impressive vocal range lends depth and vulnerability to lyrics about authenticity in connection: an intimate twist that feels familiar and strikingly new. As her eighth release, this single underscores her knack for blending genres like folk, rock, and country while staying true to her storytelling roots. We are pretty sure you’ll love her expressive delivery and minimalist approach, making this a must-have in your personal playlist!
Stefano Ark – “MARTIAN: YEARS 2013 – 2023”
Stefano Ark is back with a killer project called “MARTIAN: YEARS 2013 – 2023”, and let us tell you, it’s a straight-up vibe, released December 31, 2024, like a New Year’s gift from the cosmos! This guy has been cooking up a cinematic masterpiece for a whole decade, blending sci-fi and horror vibes with raw, real-life grit. Think Alfred Hitchcock meets punk, rock, and hip-hop.. it’s wild! The album’s a time capsule of his incredible journey, from wrestling addiction to leveling up through recovery, all wrapped in a slick narrative. Featuring alter-egos like STeVe and The Moon Man, it’s a trip through “The Martian Universe”: a sonic galaxy of introspection and dope beats. Recorded with iPhone ingenuity and field-sampled flair, this joint’s fresh, bold, and 100% Stefano Ark. You ready to blast off?
Consequential – “Down”
Michellar – “HOME SWEET HOME”
Michellar brings us her latest tune “HOME SWEET HOME”, and hits deep: an emotional ride packed with longing, redemption, and that bittersweet pull of returning to where you belong. Coming straight out of San Francisco’s vibrant music scene, Michellar (aka Michelle Bond) dusts off her songwriting chops after four decades, and man, does she bring the feels.
She teams up with UK-based vocalist Harrison Black, whose voice is dripping with raw emotion: think Coldplay vibes but with its own unique twist. The track itself has a wild journey too; crafted across the Atlantic, mixed and mastered in the UK, then making its way back to California for a big global drop.
Inspired by the fragile call of a runaway reaching out, Home Sweet Home is haunting yet hopeful, wrapping you in its atmosphere. Michellar’s gritty comeback, polished through countless Open Mic nights, shines through in this track: a reminder that no matter how far you wander, that ache for home never really fades.
Carl De Villa – “Airplane”
Carl De Villa’ latest hit “Airplane” is straight-up feel-good pop, dripping with that carefree, sky-high energy that makes you wanna grab your passport and just go. Right from the start, the track sets the mood with an airport announcement paging Carl, before lifting off into a dreamy, synthy vibe that feels like floating above the clouds.
Carl’s vocals? Pure magic: soft and inviting in the verses, then soaring in the chorus like a plane catching altitude. The beat punches underneath, giving it that dancefloor-ready edge, somewhere between classic ‘90s pop and today’s fresh electronic sound, making it the kind of tune that gets addictive after the first listen!
This one’s all about freedom: breaking away, getting lost in the moment, and just embracing the ride. With over half a million streams and counting, “Airplane” is taking off in a big way. Buckle up, because Carl De Villa is going places.
Proklaim – “LOVE LAVIDA”
At this point, we think you all know Proklaim, and he’s back with another banger called “LOVE LAVIDA”, a high-energy anthem that smashes genre boundaries and cranks up the vibe to full blast. This track blends Caribbean, Latino, and West African influences with a hip-hop backbone, making it a certified club banger with a message.
Inspired by a fire reggaeton beat he stumbled across online, Proklaim wanted to break the mold: spitting bars over a rhythm that’s anything but typical for rap. Recorded at Pen Pushaz studios and fine-tuned by Wojtek Majewski at Audio Art Namibia, “LOVE LAVIDA” is a sonic rollercoaster, built to make you move.
It’s got his unique raw, primal energy but still stays true to Proklaim’s sharp lyricism. Whether you’re vibing in the club or just need a track that radiates life, this one’s set to hit differently.
